Moscow Cinema: A Yerevan Landmark

The Moscow Cinema, situated on Charles Aznavour Square in the heart of Yerevan, has been a beloved landmark since its opening on December 12, 1936. The cinema was built on the site of the St. Paul and Peter Church, which was demolished in the 1930s by Soviet authorities. Designed by architects Tiran Yerkanyan and Gevorg Kochar, the cinema's architecture reflects the Soviet era, with later redesigns in 1960 and 1983. The facade is adorned with sculptures depicting scenes from famous Soviet-Armenian films such as "Chapaev," "Pepo," "David Bek," and "Sayat Nova". Today, the Moscow Cinema features four indoor halls: the Red Hall (491 seats), the Blue Hall (350 seats), the Small Red Hall (49 seats), and the Gallery (35 seats), offering a range of cinematic experiences. There is also an open-air theater that was constructed between 1964 and 1966. The cinema is the main venue for the Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival, held annually since 2004, and hosts various other film festivals and cultural events. The square in front of the cinema was named after Charles Aznavour in 2001, adding to the area's cultural significance. While the surrounding area is known for heavy traffic, the cinema's design effectively minimizes street noise. The cinema was privatized in 1999 and underwent major renovations, reopening in September 2000. The Moscow Cinema remains a central part of Yerevan's cultural life, blending historical significance with modern cinematic experiences.